RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on the first detailed version of Wychavon District Council's Local Plan Review which was published yesterday (Wednesday).

The plan contains policies to guide and control development throughout the district and will be used by the council to make decisions on planning applications. A key function is to identify new land for housing, employment and retail development.

Worcestershire County Council has told the council to find sites for 1,300 houses and 50 acres for jobs to last until 2011. A number of housing sites are identified in Evesham and Pershore as well as some of the larger villages throughout the district, and a major employment allocation is suggested as an extension to Vale Park, Evesham.

Dave Tomaney, Wychavon's planning policy offer, said: "This is an important stage of the Local Plan process. It has to be placed "on deposit" for residents to have their say. Supporting comments are just as important as objections and they will help us get the Local Plan right for Wychavon."

Copies of the plan and any comments received are on display at the Civic Centre, Pershore, and the Evesham Shop, Market Square.

Reference copies are in libraries and can be bought from the Civic Centre. A copy of the text is on the council's website at www.wychavon.gov.uk

To buy one or to comment on the plan, write to Jack Hegarty, Head of Planning, Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore WR 10 1PT, marking the envelope Local Plan, or e-mail localplan@wychavon.gov.uk, by August 7.

Do you have a view on Wychavon's future? Contact reporter Gerry Barnett by clicking on the email byline link at the top of this story.